Investigators say sibling started fire that badly burned Lorain child

LORAIN — A sibling of the 4-year-old who was burned over 90 percent of his body Saturday set fire to a blanket on which the boy was sleeping, fire officials said Thursday.

Assistant Lorain Fire Chief Jeff Fenn said the cause of the fire was deemed incendiary, which is defined by fire officials as intentionally setting a fire that shouldn’t be set. It differs from arson in that arson generally requires a motive or an illegal purpose.

Lorain police detective Dennis Camarillo said police do not plan to pursue charges against the child who started the fire. The child’s age was not provided. The information is being provided to Children Services, however, should it choose to involve itself with the family.

Nasire King received second- and third-degree burns. He remains in critical condition at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland.

“It was accidental, unfortunately, and the little guy was trapped in the room,” Camarillo said. “Everyone did what they could to get everyone out.”